Chris Brand, Acting Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority, said:

“It is with great sadness that we heard of the death of Donald ‘Ginger’ McCain.

“Training the same horse to win the world’s greatest race three times is a feat unlikely to be repeated, and thanks to Red Rum’s three Grand Nationals Ginger McCain was one of the few racing people to become a household name.

“It was this outstanding achievement which also ignited my own passion for the sport at an early age, so I have a lot to thank him for.

“Ginger was renowned for being outspoken and he certainly wasn’t afraid to express his views about the way our sport is run, but without doubt his own contribution will be remembered and enjoyed for years to come.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with his wife Beryl and the whole McCain family.”